Dino Baskovic Can’t Lose

A gentlemen just walked over to me to inform me that the tech who was changing my oil noticed my air filter was dirty.

"Fine," I thought. I've had my oil changed dozens of times in the past at the dealer, which usually changes the filter by default with each visit. No doubt the cost is built into the service, though I naively assume dealers have bulk discounts with suppliers and that air filters cost next to nothing.

"It's 38 dollars to replace the filter," said the friendly employee.

"Whoa," I replied. "I can get that far cheaper elsewhere.  Heck, I'll do it myself."

"I understand, sir."

Times have changed. I drive a Saturn, which as you know, is out of gas. I was always happy with my dealership, part of the Suburban Collection, a auto dealer network in Michigan known for their "Make the Choice" ad jingle. I could change my oil anywhere, but I like getting my all-point inspection and free exterior wash.  They know the history of my car and rarely give me the runaround.  Plus the Otis Spunkmeyer cookies are a nice touch, though they're not nearly as fresh now that the dealer closed its showroom and relocated to a service facility just down the road.

I can see tacking on a modest up-charge in the future on certain Saturn parts as they grow in scarcity.  But air filters?  Really?  I tweeted my concern wondering if they'd actually respond. I even tried to send a quick email, though Gmail is firewalled from the lounge's free wi-fi for some strange reason.

Looks like I'm replacing my own filters from now on. Part of my "pretty nice little Saturday." While I'm at it, maybe I'll take the restrictor plate off to give the Red Dragon a little more juice. But it's not exactly street legal, so keep it on the down low...

Whether I choose to return to the dealer remains to be seen. Nothing against 'em but I don't like being nickel-and-dimed. And last I inspected my own belts, I could stand to skip the Spunkmeyers.